Book Review: Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Jennifer Harris created a new life for herself after the death of her best friend Cameron Quick in elementary school. He was her only friend and confidant. She was an outcast, overweight, and picked on. After her mother remarries, Jennifer recreates herself. She changes her name to Jenna Voughn, loses the weight, and resolves never to cry at school again. Until the day Cameron Quick returns to her life and everything begins to unravel. Who is she really Jenna Voughn or Jennifer Harris? And how can she face the secrets of her childhood now that Cameron is back.

This book was an interesting read. The characters are well developed and the story is paced nicely. I can’t say that this book was a favorite though, because I am not sure how I feel about the main character, Jenna. She is a contradiction, and very hard to peg. Parts of her are still Jennifer Harris, while she struggles to be Jenna Voughn

Overall, I did like the book but I wouldn’t say it was a favorite—mostly because of my frustration with the main character. It is realistic though in the sense that people tend to fall in and out of our lives and they do make an impression on us.

Recommended for older teens who enjoy realistic fiction.

Cautions for sensitive readers: There is some language and verbal abuse by a parent, but no violence.




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